Approximately 138 countries have adopted renewable energy support policies last year - up from 127 countries in 2013. Global investment into renewable energy have doubled in the last 5 years

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Over the recent past, there has been a surge in the development and installations of renewable energy across nations.

Germany, for example, plans to increase the share of renewable energy mix to 35% by 2020. Similarly, Spain is estimated to reach about 3.1% of wind power generation by 2020. Examples such as these and many others across the world are strong indicative of the world affinity towards renewables. Denmark, Spain, Germany, California, China, and Australia are leading the world with highest shares of renewables integrations.

While this is picking momentum, as countries gear up for handling larger shares of renewables into their grids, storage technology becomes more relevant. Variable demands to variable supplies induces the need for increased accuracy of demand and supply predictions. Power transmission bottlenecks and regulatory risks are a few other challenges that need to be addressed among others before countries are able to meet and exceed their RE targets as below

Region

Current Share %

Target %

Year

World

18%

EU25

14%

21%

2020

EU

14%

40%

2030

Selected EU countries

Region

Current Share %

Target %

Year

Austria

62

78

2010

Belgium

2.8

6.0

2010

Czech Republic

4.2

8.0

2010

Denmark

26

29

2010

Finland

29

31.5

2010

France

10.9

21

2010

Germany

11.5

12.5

2010

Greece

13

20.1

2010

Hungary

4.4

3.6

2010

Ireland

10

13.2

2010

Italy

16

25

2010

Luxembourg

6.9

5.7

2010

Netherlands

8.2

9.0

2010

Poland

2.6

7.5

2010

Portugal

32

45

2010

Slovak Republic

14

31

2010

Spain

19

29.41

2010

Sweden

49

60

2010

United Kingdom

4.1

10

2010

Selected other countries

Region

Current Share %

Target %

Year

Argentina

1.3%

8%

2016

Australia

9.15%

20% (45,000 GWh New generation)

2020

Brazil

5%

Canada

59%

90% (non-emitting sources)

2020

Chile

9%

20%

2025

China

8%

15%

2020

Egypt

15%

20%

2020

India

4%

35%

Indonesia

4%

15% (inc. nuclear)

2025

Israel

0%

5%

2016

Japan

0.4%

1.63%

2014

Korea

6.08%

2020

Malaysia

0%

5%

2005

Mexico

16%

40%

2014

Morocco

10%

20%

2012

New Zealand

6%

90%

2025

Nigeria

7%

2025

Pakistan

10%

2015

The Philippines

100% increase from 2005

2015

Russia

2.5%

2024

Switzerland

52%

Taiwan

6%

12%

2020

Thailand

7%

20%

2022

United States

9.2%

Vietnam

5%

2020

To understand more about this market and the underlying opportunities we sought inputs from Michael Kranhold. Michael is the Director Customer Management/Grid Settlement at 50Hertz Transmission GmbH , Germany

Tim: What are the key challenges faced by utilities? How are they strategizing themselves to overcome these challenges?

Michael: When the renewable boom starts, the old economy (utilities) are underestimating the effects on system (see the negative development of RWE, E.ON …). There is the need to be open for new trends. In Europe (Germany) the rise of renewables was timed together with the liberalization of the electricity market, which includes elements of contradiction (plan versus narket). Right timing of legislation seems to be a next element.

Tim: How did countries with larger shares of RE successfully integrate renewables into the grid? What are some of the best practices adopted by these countries?

Michael: In the control area of 50Hertz more than 50% of generation is based on RES (Wind and Solar), i.e. 27 GW + 23 GW on conventional power. About 50% of the electricity supply was from RES in 2015.

Over the years we developed good forecasts of RES production. We deloped good cooperation with our DSO partners to make use of ancillary services from RES. To use dispersed generation we elaborated a nationwide grid development program, which is updated every two years.

The process is led by the regulator. To invest heavily in the grid you need fortunate climate for investors (regulation scheme). As normally the grid erection needs time – you have also to have techniques to redispatch and to avoid bottlenecks in the grid.
Last but not least you need a pro-active communication to all stakeholders that feel influenced by new overhead lines.

Tim: What are the key storage and forecasting technologies that support the integration of renewables into the grid?

Michael: For the future we need more long term storage to overcome periods without wind and sunshine. Good forecasting of climate is key and therefore also an extensive data exchange with the RES and also the grids where they are connected (i.e. DSO).

Tim: What are the stages involved in the process of integrating RE into the grid? Who are the key stakeholders involved in the process?

Michael: First you need a legislation which gives a stable framework for investors in green technology. Therefor the willingness of the population is key – to be ready to subsidize this energy. To make best use of renewables you need a plan to promote and to build new lines (grids). Don’t forget neighbour countries which are influenced by your plans (loop flows).

After long period of subsidies try to get more market elements in place (i.e. auctioning of capacities). For all players the stable regulatory environment is key. To erect new lines or RES you need the acceptance of the stakeholders.

References

More about Michael Kranhold

Michael Kranhold is an electrical engineer and holds an MBA-diploma (Kellogg-WHU).

Michael started his professional career in the Control Centre of the GDR after finishing his study in the field of energy supply in Minsk/Belarus in 1984. He got a broad practical experience in various areas of the grid business, at the Central Dispatch Organization of the East European Interconnected Networks in Prague and in the legal predecessors of 50Hertz in Berlin. Michael worked for system control, grid planning, energy management, corporate development and controlling. He is now Director of the Customer management/Grid Settlement Division.